Preventative measures

The community was given the opportunity to learn all about the importance of being healthy Tuesday when the Redwood Area Hospital, in conjunction with a variety of organizations, sponsored a health fair at the Redwood Area Community Center in Redwood Falls.

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By Troy KrauseEditor

Redwood Falls Gazette

By Troy KrauseEditor

Posted Mar. 28, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By Troy KrauseEditor

Posted Mar. 28, 2013 at 12:01 AM

What does it really mean to live a healthy life?

The community was given the opportunity to learn all about the importance of being healthy Tuesday when the Redwood Area Hospital, in conjunction with a variety of organizations, sponsored a health fair at the Redwood Area Community Center in Redwood Falls.

Dozens of attendees of all ages visited booths to learn about different hospital and community programs that are able to help them lead healthy lives. They were also able to hear from experts on a variety of health-related topics, including a presentation on colon health conducted adjacent to a giant inflatable colon.

Dr. Charles Ulrich, chief of the gastroenterology and hepatology department for ACMC, stressed the importance of getting a colon screening for those who are 50 and older, adding those with a history of colon cancer in their family getting tested even earlier.

He suggested those who have that family history should get their first colon screening done 10 years prior to the age when their family member was diagnosed. So, for example, if someone was diagnosed at the age of 35 he suggested screening at age 25.

Evidence has shown colon cancer is one of the most treatable and preventable types of cancer if people just get screened.

He said under the new national health care program known as Obamacare more emphasis is going to be placed on getting screenings for things such as colon cancer.

In addition to the colon health presentation, information was also offered about how one can remain at home longer as they age, vaccinations and the importance of maintaining good physical fitness.